RUN Congratulates Professor David Battersby

The Regional Universities Network (RUN) congratulates its former, inaugural Chair, and the Vice-Chancellor of Federation University Australia, Professor David Battersby, on being awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The Chair of RUN, Professor Peter Lee, said the award recognised Professor Battersby for his significant service to tertiary education and as an advocate for improved community engagement.

“We are delighted that Professor Battersby has been recognised for his service, both administrative and academic, to regional Australian universities and their communities,” Professor Lee said.

“As the inaugural Chair of RUN, Professor Battersby had a major role in establishing a body that has effectively raised the profile of regional universities. He has been a tireless advocate for encouraging the participation of regional Australians in tertiary education.

“His role in establishing Federation University Australia has also been a significant achievement.”

The Executive Director of RUN, Dr Caroline Perkins, said Professor Battersby’s award recognised his contribution in building a strong regional and national profile for regional universities and their communities through the network.

“He has been a great advocate for the importance of regional universities to the national interest, as well as to regional Australia where a third of the Australian population resides.

“Professor Battersby has provided a strong foundation for RUN in raising issues of relevance to regional Australian students, communities and universities,” Dr Perkins said.